Cantonese opera

Cantonese Opera or Yuet Kaht is one of the major opera categories in the southern China. It is popular in Guangdong, Guangxi, Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore and Malaysia.

Its history can be traced back to the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279). Cantonese Opera was imported from the north and migrated to the southern province of Guangdong. The lyrics and scripts are written in Cantonese. They are based on Chinese history and famous Chinese classics.

Types of Play

There are two types of Cantonese Opera plays. One is called "Mun," and the other is called, "Mo."

   Mo means martial arts.  Characters in Mo plays are usually generals or warriors.  Mo plays are action-packed and intricately choreographed, often using weapons.  The costumes for Mo plays are very complicated (and heavy).
   Mun means intellectual, polite, cultured.  These are the plays whose characters are either scholars, royalty.  Mun plays tend to be dramatic and the movements are soft and slow.  Instead of using weapons, performers show of their abilities in water sleeves work (see terms below).  This type of play focuses more on facial expression, tone of voice, and meaning behind the movements.

While actors are singing and moving around on stage, they also have to act! Cantonese opera acting is not the same as acting in movies or on TV. Many emotions have certain facial expressions and body gestures that go along with it. Performers also have to be careful not to ruin their makeup or hair with histrionic expressions.

(http://www.pearlmagik.com/bayareacantoneseopera/aboutopera.htm)

Musical Instruments

Traditional musical instruments used in Cantonese opera include wind, strings and percussion. The winds and strings encompass erhu (yee wu), butterfly harp, pipa and flute, while the percussion comprises many different drums and cymbals. The erhu leads the orchestra and the percussion sets the overall rhythm and pace of the music.

Music

The music of Cantonese opera is composed of three basic elements. They are operatic vocal music, beat and the melody of obbligato.

Cantonese Opera music consists of innumerable melodies and tunes. Unlike European opera where the composer of the music is praised, in Cantonese opera the music isn’t the most important part - the lyrics are. In Cantonese opera the writers put words into this pool of melodies and tunes. One song may contain many melodies, and it is up to the singer to add his or her own personal variation and style to the melody when they sing it. The singing must be combined with music, of course. Traditional Chinese instruments such as the er wu (yee wu), butterfly harp, pay-paa, flute, and percussion, to say the least, make up the Cantonese Opera orchestra. The percussion alone consists of many different drums and cymbals. The percussion is responsible for the overall rhythm and pace of the music, while the er wu leads the orchestra. Now, Cantonese opera has incorporated many western instruments such as the cello, saxophone, and even the violin which is often used in place of the er wu. (http://www.pearlmagik.com/bayareacantoneseopera/aboutopera.htm)

Performers

There are special names for the performers in Cantonese opera.

Cantonese Opera's Frequently Used Terms

Pheasant feathers/Antennae

Worn by both men and women in Mo plays. These are very long pheasant feathers on the performer's helmet that...well...look like antennae! The performer uses these feathers to express their feelings or to display their skill

Water Sleeves

Usually worn by both men and women, in Mun plays. These are very long pieces of white fabric connected to the sleeves that, when handled correctly, are supposed to flow as softly and smoothly as water. The movements performed by the actor, or actress, with the water sleeves have a symbolic meaning

Hand Movements

The shape and position of an actor's hands and fingers will interpret the song or the scene being performed. Generally, women must hold their hands in a "lotus flower" position, which is considered softer and more feminine than straightening all their fingers

Round Table/Walking

Cantonese opera has very specific movements, and one of the most basic but difficult is the walking (speed walking), affectionately called the round table. Women have to take very, very small steps, while their upper bodies float as if disconnected from their legs. Men can take larger steps but their upper bodies have to also remain detached from their lower bodies. This is a graceful movement and symbolizes traveling a long distance

Go Hur

Opera shoes worn by men. It consists of a black boot with a thick and high white sole. This makes round table for men very difficult. The higher the shoes, the harder the round table and all other movements are!

Gwou Wai

A move in which two performers cross over to opposite sides of the stage

Tuir Mok

A move in which the two performers walk in a circle facing each other and return to their original positions

Lai saan & Wun Sou

This is the most basic movement that combines the hands and the arms. This movement is used in many other more complex moves and is one of the moves that is taught first to beginners is opera

Jurt Bo/Choot Bo

Used in Mo or Mun plays by men and women, this technique is often incorporated into the round table. It looks like skipping, but the body should glide, not jump

Siu Tiu

Translated as “small jump,” this movement is generally used in Mo plays. It is somewhat like a stomp with one foot before starting a round table. This movement is done smoothly

Fay Tuir

In regular martial arts terms, it would be called an inside crescent kick

Hair-flinging/”Headbanging”

This movement can be done by both male and female roles, in Mun or Mo plays. This is where they swing their ponytails in a circle over and over again. This symbolizes frustration or grief, such as when a loved one dies in a dramatic way.

Chestbuckle/ Flower

This is a spherical flower made from a long length of fabric that is folded a certain way, tied very tightly, and then shaped into a sphere, similar to a NordstromÔ gift box bow. They are worn by male and female Mo roles as a decoration on the chest, and also a red flower is worn by a male when getting married.

Horsewhip

This is a prop that people use on stage to symbolize a horse or riding on a horse. It is a thin piece of rattan that is about 3 ft. long and is bound with colored silk and tassels. The actor or actress swings the whip and starts a round table, which symbolizes riding a galloping horse.

Sifu

Literally, “Master,” this term is used for professional actors (who have been trained in schools in China). It is also what opera students call their opera teacher/coach

(http://www.pearlmagik.com/bayareacantoneseopera/aboutopera.htm)